The hongi is the first physical contact between the tangata whenua and the manuhiri.

Stage 9 - Hongi

It is now that the tangata whenua will indicate to
the manuhiri to come in a certain direction, in line,
to shake hands and to hongi.

This practice
originates from the dawn of time and is a symbolic reference to the first breath
of life that was issued to Hineahuone by the
Guardians - ´Tihei Mauri Ora´ and shows the ´coming
together´ of the two groups to be united as one under the umbrella of the Powhiri.

It is the mixing of the mauri of both the tangata whenua
and the manuhiri, it is the first physical
contact.